Culver’s Proposed for Long-Vacant Mayfield Triangle in Cleveland Heights

Published: May 21, 2026 - 6:49 p.m.

By Sandra Anderson

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CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — A long-vacant corner of Cleveland Heights is the focus of a new redevelopment push as city officials consider a proposal to bring a Culver's restaurant to the Mayfield Triangle. The site, a 6.3-acre parcel bounded by Mayfield, Noble, and Warrensville Center roads, has seen little activity since the Center Mayfield Theatre was demolished nearly 10 years ago. It is a location with deep roots in local history, once serving as the home of Hillside Dairy before that business shuttered in 1999. According to documents submitted to the Cleveland Heights Planning Department, the project is led by a franchise group that already operates roughly 30 Culver's locations in the Akron and Canton areas. The specific owner-operator slated for this branch is a Cleveland Heights native who previously ran businesses in Florida. Supporters hope this personal connection to the city will translate into a more community-focused operation. The restaurant expects to hire between 50 and 75 employees, providing a mix of full-time and part-time roles that are often a first step for local high school students. The plans are not a carbon copy of the typical suburban Culver's. Because Cleveland Heights has a distinct urban character, the developer is working with the city to modify the standard layout. The proposed site plan puts about 50 parking spaces at the rear of the building to keep the street-facing view more in line with the neighborhood's aesthetic. A drive-thru is included, which is standard for the chain's cook-to-order model, but the specific configuration of the lanes is being scrutinized to ensure it does not create backups. Not everyone is sold on the idea of a fast-casual chain occupying one of the city's most visible junctions. While proponents argue that any investment is better than another decade of weeds and cracked asphalt, some neighbors are worried about the impact on an already congested intersection. During community briefings, some residents pointed out that the current design lacks a vehicular outlet onto Vandemeer, which could force all traffic back onto Mayfield or Noble roads. Others have argued that the city should prioritize pedestrian-friendly green spaces or bike infrastructure over a business that relies heavily on car traffic. There is a persistent feeling among some critics that a drive-thru model contradicts the city's goals for a transit-oriented Noble Road corridor. These concerns are being weighed against the economic reality of the area. Nearby Severance Town Center continues to struggle with high vacancy rates, making private interest in the Mayfield Triangle a significant opportunity for the municipal tax base. According to the Cleveland Heights Planning Commission, the proposal must still clear several hurdles, including zoning variances and final site plan approvals. If the city grants the necessary permissions during the expected review window in August or September, construction could begin shortly after. The franchise group hopes to have the doors open to the public by March or April of next year. Residents who wish to review the site plans or submit comments can contact the Cleveland Heights Planning Department at 216-291-4878. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.